U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Appoints Four from UW

October 25, 2010

Four University of Wyoming faculty and staff members were among 16 Wyoming citizens appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Wyoming State Advisory Committee (SAC).

The UW appointees are Jacquelyn Bridgeman, associate dean and professor in the College of Law; Eric Nye, associate professor in the Department of English; Anetra Parks, College of Law director of career services; and Francisco Rios, professor and head of the Department of Educational Studies. The appointments are for two years.

The commission investigates complaints and collects information alleging that citizens are being deprived of their right to vote or are denied equal protection of the laws under the Constitution because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice.

Congress has directed the commission to establish state advisory committees (SACs) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to study issues and forward advisory reports to the commission on matters within the agency's jurisdiction that reflect the views of the majority of SAC members producing the report.

The SACs' reports to the commission are wholly independent, and reviewed by commission staff only for legal and procedural compliance with commission policies and procedures. SAC reports are not subject to commission approval, fact-checking or policy changes.

Photo:English Professor Eric Nye is among four UW faculty and staff members appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Wyoming State Advisory Committee.